Myrtle Beach Sky Wheel

Myrtle Beach, SC gets lots of attention for being a sunny family destination brimming with beaches, water parks and Southern hospitality. The fun has increased considerably with the opening of the SkyWheel attraction on Myrtle Beach’s new boardwalk. Flying into the airport, you’ll spot the slowing turning wheel, especially at night, when there’s a light show.  But once you get up close, you realize that it’s much more than a fancy ferris wheel.

The most striking detail is that the seats are enclosed. The Sky Wheel boasts 42 glass-enclosed, temperature-controlled, gondolas that overlook the Atlantic Ocean and much of Myrtle Beach. It winds 200 feet above sea level and is reportedly the only observation wheel of it’s kind in the U.S.  Sitting inside a gondola and gazing down the boardwalk, the views are lovely. Although I didn’t quite spot neighboring North Carolina as the attendant claimed. For $12 for adults and $8 for children, you get to  slowly spin around for about three revolutions. There’s even a $50 VIP experience that includes special access to a gondola sporting Ferrari leather bucket seats and a glass bottom for views below and above.  There’s even the option of pressing a special red button to decide when you’d like to stop after four or five revolutions. It’s a nice ride but may be a little scary for those afraid of heights.   The experience is similar to a Ferris wheel, only the views are sharper and the gondolas are sleeker than the ones found on the average amusement park attraction.  After the ride, head to the Landshark Bar & Grill next door and sample the fish  tacos and chips with salsa. Enjoy your food on the patio where you can watch the Sky Wheel slowly whirling around.

Photo courtesy of Rosalind Cummings-Yeates

Disclosure: The Sky Wheel excursion was part of a sponsored media trip.